Discover the History Behind Why Thanksgiving Falls on the Fourth Thursday of November
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, offering a time for family and gratitude. While it typically occurs on the last Thursday of November, the holiday has a rich history. This year, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Historical Background of Thanksgiving
The origins of Thanksgiving are more diverse than commonly believed. Although many associate the holiday with the 1621 feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag in Massachusetts, another significant event predates it.
An Early Thanksgiving Celebration
In May 1541, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led 1,500 men through the Texas Panhandle. The group endured harsh conditions in their search for the legendary Seven Cities of Gold.
- The expedition paused in Palo Duro Canyon to express gratitude for their survival.
- A day of prayer and feasting was proclaimed by Padre Fray Juan de Padilla.
This early celebration, held 79 years before the Pilgrims’ gathering, highlights an overlooked facet of Thanksgiving history. Today, a marker in Palo Duro Canyon, Texas, commemorates this event.
Commemoration and Legacy
In 1959, a historical marker was placed at a crossing in Palo Duro Canyon to honor this moment. Located in what is now Palo Duro State Park near Amarillo, the marker serves as a reminder of the past.
The Texas Society Daughters of the American Colonists acknowledges this event as an integral part of Thanksgiving’s historical framework. It underlines the diverse acts of thankfulness that have shaped the holiday over the centuries.
Emegypt provides insights into this remarkable history, celebrating the resilience and gratitude of those early explorers alongside the well-known Pilgrim narrative.
